Workers' representatives from various unions across New Jersey have formed an alliance, aiming to promote the state's clean energy economy and create new union positions.

Climate Jobs New Jersey aims to address the state's escalating energy costs by implementing a statewide solar and energy storage program led by union labor. The coalition will also advocate for the state government to control the planning and procurement of energy projects to meet New Jersey's energy needs, and "ensure that workers benefit from every new project," according to a press release.

"New Jersey has a long history of construction and innovation, but when it comes to building our own energy, we have lost our way. We import too much energy from outside the state, which exacerbates the rise in energy prices and takes away jobs in the energy industry," said Charlie Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey AFL-CIO and Chairman of New Jersey Climate Jobs. "Through the new agenda of New Jersey Climate Jobs, we can take control of our energy future and start building our own energy again. This will create local union jobs, bring economic growth to our communities, and provide us with the clean energy we need to meet our growing energy demand and address the climate crisis."

The mission of Climate Jobs NJ will be guided by a report issued by the Cornell Institute for Climate Employment Research, which details the steps needed to strengthen the state's clean energy economy, address a warming climate, and create union jobs.

"Under the leadership of workers, we can build the clean energy and infrastructure needed to address the climate crisis, while reducing energy costs and creating high-quality, family-supporting jobs. A cleaner, more resilient future will create thousands of good jobs – and we must ensure that these jobs provide good wages and benefits for New Jersey residents. This is real climate action for the working class," said Ana Maria Hill, Vice President and New Jersey Director of 32BJ SEIU. "Members of 32BJ have experienced firsthand that the climate crisis is already here. That's why we are working to expand clean energy projects in New Jersey and ensure that these projects create union jobs with good wages and benefits for workers."